Let's face it, the pantry is an easy space to forget about and clutter can build up over time. But there is nothing like a lockdown to get you really questioning the organization of your nonperishable goods. We have gathered three key steps to aid in overcoming that pantry clutter. If you are looking on tips to revamp and reorganize that daunting pantry, then keep on reading!  

STEP ONE: CLEAN-OUT UNNECESSARY ITEMS

If you have been avoiding cleaning out your pantry for some time now then chances are there are many items you no longer need or have even expired. Think of what you use most in the kitchen and separate your pantry items according to staples you often cook with and things you no longer reach for. Anything that is unopened can be donated. Anything that has an overdue expiry date or any dinged up/rusted cans can be recycled. Once you have downsized your pantry items the fun part begins! 

STEP TWO: CATEGORIZE AND LABEL CONTAINERS

The key to an organized “picture worthy” pantry is decanting boxes and bags of food into clear containers. Not only does this give your pantry a seamless look it is also more practical to see the contents in the container than the ingredients on the side of a box. Use matching glass or plastic containers to really have a uniform pantry. If there are cooking instructions or ingredients you must keep, cut them out and tape them to the bottom of the containers. Once your goods are in containers invest in a label marker or hand write labels from your local dollar store to distinguish containers.  

STEP THREE: UTILIZE YOUR SPACE WELL

Now that your goods are sorted, categorized, and labelled you can begin filling up your pantry! You want to utilize the space you have to the best of your ability. Add Lazy Susans for smaller items that you have multiples of, such as spices. Add drawers or trays to your shelfing to store canned goods, and to make items in the very back of the shelving more accessible. Use baskets that match your containers to store items such as fruit or individually wrapped granola bars. When all is organized make sure to leave space for items to be added into your pantry and remember to declutter frequently! 

Tired of being stuck indoors but need to give your outdoor living space an update? A covered deck is the perfect way to extend your living space and to enjoy the outdoors rain or shine! Covering your outdoor area allows you to enjoy an indoor-outdoor living area while entertaining (when that is permitted, of course). If you are looking to create a covered outdoor space for all year around, despite the weather, then keep on ready! 

CANVAS GAZEBO

A simple metal gazebo with a sturdy canvas cover is an easy and affordable way to turn a wide-open outdoor area into a cozy living space. With the addition of twinkling lights around the inside of the canopy you have the perfect spot to cozy up rain or shine! Add comfy chairs, lanterns and an outdoor rug to complete this living space whether it be on a deck, patio or garden terrace you are set for outdoor entertaining! 

BAMBOO SHADES

Do you already have a covered deck space or a metal gazebo in place? Add privacy to your outdoor living area with the addition of bamboo blinds. Bamboo blinds will allow just enough light to shine into your outdoor space while blocking the view of close by neighbours. The earthy texture of the blinds will give your space a tropical boho vibe. Add paper lanterns and tiki torches to really turn your outdoor seating area into a vacation! 

CHIC PARASOLS

Looking to add a chic cover to your backyard without constructing a permanent structure? Add a classy all black or white parasol to your outdoor living area to provide shade in the sun or to cover your seating area in the rain. A chic parasol is the perfect alternative to a gazebo when you are not looking to take up too much floor space and is an affordable way to add some class to your outdoor space. Add multiple parasols and decorate with matching black and white outdoor furniture and décor for the most glamorous outdoor living area!

Move over shaker style cabinets because the next big cabinet trend is in, reeded cabinetry! Shaker kitchen cabinets are the most popular style of cabinet doors characterized by their straightforward profile with a recessed center panel. Most shaker cabinets have a very simple and clean look while others may feature detailing around the edges. If you are tired of seeing this very popular design trend in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere then keep reading to learn more about the new trend, reeded cabinetry! 

CHARACTERISTICS

Reeded cabinetry is characterized by the textural front profiles. Unlike Shaker style cabinets the front profile is not smooth and bare but instead is filled with ribbed pieces of wood. The cabinets appear as if dowels (cylinder pieces of wood) have been glued vertically beside each other creating the reeded design. This design trend is one that is very unique and is unlike anything seen in cabinetry! This style of cabinets gives the home a modern and custom feel while remaining functional and chic.  

HYBRID

Reeded style cabinets appear to have a similar shape and appearance as the shaker style cabinets, but with a closer look you will see the textured rippled effect of the front profile. Reeded cabinetry also plays well with shaker cabinetry in sort of a hybrid design. With the classic trim and profile of the shaker cabinets but instead of the centre panel being smooth in a typical shaker style it has the reeded design. In the hybrid style you get the classic look of the shaker cabinets mixed with the unique design of the reeded style, it’s a win-win! 

VERSATILITY

Like shaker style cabinets, reeded cabinetry can be substituted in any part of the home! They work really well in a kitchen layout and can be painted to suit the colour palette of the space. Want to spruce up your bathroom? Try a light wood shade of reeded cabinets to offset an all-white bathroom. Even in the mud-room, storage built-ins can have the reeded makeover! If you love the design and style of reeded cabinets but aren’t up for a major renovation you can even introduce it into the home in the form of décor or accessories. For example, a reeded lamp post or stool. This new design trend is very versatile and this can account for its sudden popularity! 

Bathrooms can be a tricky place to redesign! Regardless of the sleek minimalistic design you imagine for your bathroom, oftentimes you need to have your necessities on display. Besides from the clutter there are also a few décor items that can make your bathroom feel small and cramped. Keep on reading for the design trends we suggest to make your bathroom feel more spacious and less crowded! 

SOFT COLOUR PALETTE

When it comes to the colour of the walls, the hand towels you display, and the shower curtain you choose keep them simple and use a soft colour palette. Overwhelming Patterns can cause the space to look more cramped and cluttered especially if the patterns are conflicting. Choose a light wall colour to open up the space and decorate with a shower curtain and hand towels that are a solid soothing colour. If you currently have a predominately white bathroom and want to add pops of colour a trick is to only introduce 10% of this colour into the space. 

LARGE MIRRORS

Scale is everything when trying to maximize the space in your bathroom. A small mirror can make even the largest bathroom feel closed in and crowded. There is always room for more mirrors in the bathroom! Mirrors really open up the space and make it feel much more spacious. Add a large round mirror over your vanity or even a floor length mirror if the space is permitted. An over-the-door mirror is an alternative if space is tight. Mirrors bring more natural light into the room helping it feel brighter and larger!

OPEN SHELVING

Bulky bathroom cabinetry can make a bathroom feel very crowded and they take up precious square footage! Alternatively, a modern pedestal sink vanity and floating shelves create an open and spacious feel in the bathroom. Display baskets and boxes in open shelving to make the space organized and to hide toiletries and self-care items. If a bathroom renovation is not in your budget and you are looking to free up some space in the bathroom take the laundry hamper out! Hampers also takes up precious square footage and can be placed in the bedroom or laundry room instead! 

Although there will not be too much entertaining happening in the upcoming weeks you may feel like you need to spruce up your living room for the new year. The living room is usually the focus of the home where families spend the majority of their time and quite often it is the largest room. Whether you are planning a simple refresh in your living room or a complete overhaul we have the inspiration you need! 

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

If your living room has not been updated in few years then a fresh coat of paint is the perfect place to start! Paint does wonders to a room and will transition your old space into something more vibrant and inviting. Freshen up and neutralize the space with a coat of white paint. Painting your walls some variation of white whether it is a pure white or an off white is an instant way to brighten up a room and make it feel spacious and tidy. A tip to make white walls really pop is to add a darker trim such as black or navy blue.  

THE FLOOR PLAN

To maximize your entertainment space, take the time to map out a floor plan. How many people do you plan on having in this space and what will the seating arrangement be like? Once you have decided on the specifics regarding seating, side tables and coffee tables it is time to choose furniture and decorate! If your existing furniture still brings you joy and can be incorporated into your new floor plan spruce it up with new throw pillows or a new rug. If new furniture is in the budget be mindful of furniture with storage. If you are planning on having games nights in your new space it would be beneficial to have a coffee table or an ottoman that could store your favourite board games! 

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY

Once you have freshened up the space and created the ultimate floor plan for entertaining, add technology to your living room. For example, amp up the space with a new television or an audio system if moving nights are in your near future. Another option is to invest in the newest gaming console if this is your means of entertainment. In order to avoid the entertainment systems taking over your space,  disguise them within cabinetry or cupboards. Enjoy the bigger television you have purchased but have the ability to tuck it away behind a cabinet to allow for entertaining technology-free if needed.  

With the new year comes new design trends! I am sure we are all ready to finally say goodbye to 2020 and are excited for a fresh start. To welcome in the new year, we have broken down some of the top design trends in two of the most important rooms in the home, the kitchen and the bathroom. Continue reading for the design trends that will rule 2021!  

WALLPAPER MURALS

We have seen that a feature wall is popular in many rooms in the home but it tends to make an impactful statement in the kitchen and bathroom. Wallpaper has made a comeback and is a staple when creating a statement wall. Wallpaper is a relatively inexpensive option to quickly add some life, colour, and art into a not so lively space. Nonpermanent peel-and-stick wallpaper makes the addition of a feature wall an easy option to spruce up your space accompanied by very little commitment.  

ART DECO

Art Deco is a trend that emphasizes a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France just before World War I. Art Deco is making a comeback in 2021 and can be used in both the kitchen and bathroom to take interior design to the next level! Characterized by bold colors, harsh geometry, and decadent detail work, art deco can be added to these spaces using décor pieces, patterned towels or rugs, and elaborate wall art. 

STONE SLABS

Stone slabs are a fantastic way to add elegance and uniqueness to the kitchen and bathroom. As a backsplash or as a countertop, stone slabs enhance the beauty in these spaces be replacing basic neutrals. In both the kitchen and the bathroom, the countertops are the main feature of the space. By choosing a premium quality stone your countertops and back splash will be much more durable and they will increase your home’s value as an added bonus.  

On November 25, 2020 City Council directed City staff to increase the Empty Homes Tax (EHT) rate to 3%. The rate will remain at the original 1.25% for the 2020 tax reference year. Properties deemed empty are subject to the tax on their assessed taxable value. Keep reading to learn more about the EHT tax rate and what it means for homeowners and renters! 

MOTIVE BEHIND THE EHT 

The motive behind the EHT is to encourage homeowners of vacant properties to place empty homes on the market as long-term rentals. Council is standing up for renters by raising the tax rate in order to increase the housing supply of rental properties in the city. Many homes currently remain empty the additional increase in the EHT tax will hopefully motivate owners to finally put these homes on the rental market.  

HISTORY OF THE EHT 

The EHT launched in 2017 and since then has been raised twice. In 2019 the rate was raised for the first time from 1% to the current rate of 1.25%. From the initial 1% rate the EHT will have tripled by 2021 at the new announced 3% tax rate. Vancouver home owners are required to submit a declaration each year to determine if their property is subject to the EHT. Council has approved a one-time extension for late declarations for the 2017 and 2018 vacancy reference periods to December 31, 2020. 

EHT INITIATIVES 

Net revenues from the tax are being reinvested into affordable housing initiatives. Since 2017, $61.3 million of net revenues from the EHT contributions have been provided to Vancouver’s affordable housing initiatives. Revenue collected was first used to cover the one-time implementation costs of $7.5 million and estimated annual operating costs of $2.5 million. Since the tax was implemented in 2017 the number of vacant properties has decreased by 25%. 

There are many reasons to make your living space more comfortable and beautiful this holiday season, one being that we are spending much more time indoors than we normally would. Therefore, home décor has become a very popular topic of interest and tis the season to create a cozier living space. Keep on reading for a few décor trends that can help warm up your space for the holidays!

TEXTURED FABRICS

Experiment with different fabrics, textures and patterns to bring more warmth and coziness into your home. Some examples of comfortable fabrics to introduce into your space are boucles, alpaca, sheepskins and wool. Decorate your living areas with a sheep skin rug or boucle covered stool and instantly feel more snug in your space.  

LARGE ROUNDED FURNITURE

Play around with different shapes and sizes when it comes to your staple furniture items. For example, a curved couch, a rounded table or an oval shaped rug will change up the dynamics of your space and increase comfort. Add larger furniture pieces and create seating areas for optimum coziness. Switch out your stiff sofa for a large sectional and add textured benches and lounges to create a warm and inviting space. 

THROW BLANKETS

Introduce large throws throughout your living space and you will instantly feel more comfortable in your home. When it comes to throws, play with different textures and sizes to add to your furniture pieces. Large knit blankets were a popular staple in 2020 and will continue to be in 2021. Play with bold colours and patterns when it comes to decorating with throws, as they will instantly warm up your living area! 

As the end of 2020 and the holiday season slowly creeps up on us, maintaining an organized home is more important than ever. There are a few bad habits to leave in 2020 in order to organize and declutter your home. Keep on reading for tips to maintain organized living quarters as the holiday season approaches us!  

PAPER PILE UPS 

An easy habit to kick to stay organized for the holiday season is do not let cluttered letters and Christmas cards pile up. All too often we are obliged to throwing our mail into a large pile as we enter our home. Try placing a stylish wicker basket by your entry way or in the kitchen to keep this clutter minimal! Having a basket will act as a reminder to shuffle through the holiday cards and letters as they come pouring in.  

CLOSET CATASTROPHE 

We are all guilty of piling as much as we can into a utility closet once we need to appear organized in a hurry. Limited guests may be invited into our homes this holiday season, but kicking this habit will help maintain an organized home for the new year. Set time aside before the holidays begin to organize utility closets with shelving, labels, totes, anything to declutter. That way as the holidays roll in you are prepared to store gifts while being able to access all your utility items.  

CLOTHING COLLECTOR 

We all have that one chair or surface that collects our unworn or dirty clothing in the bedroom. Clothing can pile up quickly especially during the holidays when events (or zoom calls) will be at an all-time high! If the issue is dirty laundry, a hamper with a lid will aid in organizing and hiding dirty clothing. If clean unworn clothes are the ones to be left behind a simple tip would be to leave empty hangers nearby to entice you to put your clean laundry away.